NYCC: JIM LEE ON THE DCU MMO

[MattBrady]

Announced last June, news of the DCU based massively multiplayer online game produced by Warner Bros. Interactive and Sony Online Entertainment got a boost today at the New York City Comic-Con when it was announced that Jim Lee, together with a group of WildStorm artists has been working on the art design of the game for roughly the past seven months.

The forthcoming game, to hit both next generation consoles and the PC platform will allow individuals to create their own heroes and interact in a virtual, online DC Universe, complete with familiar characters, cities, and more.

While Lee broke the news of his involvement in the game at his Spotlight Panel at this weekend’s New York Comic-Con, Newsarama had a chance to sit down with the acclaimed creator to talk about the process, his involvement, and his personal history as a game geek.

Newsarama: First off Jim, how did you get involved with the game in the first place? Given that you're a VP at DC, I’d imagine that you knew about the details far before an artist was needed. Were you part of the deal from the start, or did you target this early on as something you'd like to be involved with?

Jim Lee: Because I had spent years playing various MMOs and knew about the gaming world, I was brought in very early when the game was initially being discussed. That said, I really wasn't that involved with what was going on as I was busy doing a million other things. It wasn't until the deal with Sony that I signed on in the role that I currently have.

NRAMA: So what made you commit?

JL: Three factors about the deal with Sony made the decision really easy for me to make. One, Sony Online is one of the leaders in the MMO space. They have a great history of doing amazing games, and they produced one of my all-time favorite games, Everquest, which really was and continues to be one of the most immersive and entertaining games to date. Second, WildStorm was hired on to do the conceptual artwork for the game. We have a small team of really gifted, well known artists like Carlos D'Anda, Ale Garza, and Scott Iwahashi working with me on creating all the initial art assets. We are creating the line art for the figures and environments in collaboration with Mat Broome, who is one of the art directors on the project. Mat, as many will remember, was a former WildStorm artist who left the world of comics years ago to work in video game space. Third, Sony Online is local--being based in San Diego and I knew a number of people who were already working there. So while the DCO is actually being produced out of their Austin, Texas offices, there are still a lot of time efficiencies that take place because I can just drive 20 minutes over to their San Diego offices and see DCO 3-D work in progress models and get immediate feedback and answers to my questions from Mat. Then the line art gets sent to Austin where the DCO art director Jared Carr and his amazingly talented crew construct the actual in-game models and environments. Overall, it's an exciting opportunity to spread our wings here at WildStorm and do something new, but still obviously comic book related. The project is a real creative challenge and what artist can refuse that?

NRAMA: So how long have you been working on this?

JL: Since last August. I didn't assemble the WildStorm team to work on the game until January first of this year though. However, in some respect, I feel like I spent a lifetime learning about games; I've made a career of taking all the things I loved as a kid and getting to do them as a job as an adult.

NRAMA: So, fair to say you're into games…at least a little?

JL: Games in general are a passion of mine--not just to play but also from gameplay issues. I remember the first Pong game which my dad brought home! It entranced us for days [laughter]. As a kid, I used to go a lot to the library and check out books on games from around the world and actually creating boards and pieces to play games which were not available in the US. I even went ahead and created my own board games with my own set of rules and game pieces out of balsa wood and clay. I was into Dungeons and Dragons and desktop miniatures. I also played a lot of SSI and Avalon Hill games which had very detailed, voluminous sets of rules but you really got to see how rulesets were used to define and replicate real life movements, actions and combat. Later in college, as a psychology major, I remember reading studies on zero sum strategies and gaming.

NRAMA: So you weren’t just a game nerd, you were an academic game nerd?

JL: Something like that, yeah.

NRAMA: So – simplest terms, what have you been doing? Just drawing all the DC characters, or are there specific redesigns that you've had to add in that are needed due to the computer format? Any examples?

NRAMA: Anything you see in game will be drawn by us at WildStorm. Obviously the characters, both non-player and player designs, the environments, the trees and pedestrians...all the way down to the loaves of bread. It's a monstrous task, both artistically and logistically in that so many assets have to be designed and created. As far as adapting superheroes into other mediums, well, some changes are to be expected to make the characters 'work' in the new spaces. That said, the translation between comics and videogames is a pretty clean one in that not a lot of tweaking or fudging has to take place. However, one example of the challenges we face is...what version of the most famous landmarks and characters in the DCU do we use? There have been numerous versions of the Daily Planet from the ones seen in various movies, TV shows and comic books. Which do we use? Most people know the Teen Titans through the cartoon show. Do we use costume designs from that or from the comics? Our number one job is to keep the vision and spirit of the DC as true as possible in the game. The fact that my day job is as a comic book creator makes these types of issues much easier to resolve.

NRAMA: Going back for a minute – you said that you were doing all of this yourself from August through December? In addition to your other comic work?

JL: Right. For me, the single greatest challenge will be doing both the game and everything else I am working on. When you look at the list of projects...from All-Star Batman and Robin with Frank Miller and the upcoming relaunch of WildCats with Grant Morrison to Editorial Director of WildStorm to this project...well, it's a lot on my plate but I wouldn't have it any other way. I love what I do and the fact it rarely feels like work is what keeps me going. I don't look forward to weekends or dread Mondays because I work everyday because again, I love what I do. There's no way I would drop getting a chance to work with the likes of Frank Miller or Grant Morrison so it all comes down to getting organized and getting efficient. Luckily both All-Star Batman and Robin and WildCats are bi-monthly books. As part of the DCO deal, I got to hire an assistant, Eddy Choi, a lifesaver really.

NRAMA: You haven’t had an assistant since your earlier WildStorm days, have you?

JL: I haven't worked with an assistant for over nine years I think now and having one come in has saved me a lot of time which I can devote to comics and the MMO. I was asked how I was feeling the other day and my response was--I'm burning cleanly. I really do feel everything I am doing is moving all my projects forward, a little everyday and that really is the solution to something like this. It's a marathon...you can't think about the final amount of work...just the fact that every day, I need to work on the MMO and then come home and draw a comic book page. I love the challenge and it actually makes me happier getting to multi-task. It's one of the reasons I love working at DC really...there are so many cool opportunities to flex your creative muscles. Plus, I have the most amazing wife and kids and they keep me sane and inspired. I get to share what I do for a living with my kids which really is rewarding....beyond description really and my wife is not really into games or comics so she keeps me balanced.

NRAMA: But honestly, not matter that you’re “burning cleanly” you still brought on the full team. Was your monthly working being impacted?

JL: Well, yeah – initially, before I had Carlos, Scott, Ale and Eddy on board, it was really slowing me down on drawing comics so I got behind the 8-Ball on my All-Star Batman and Robin schedule. Now that we are up and at full speed, I'm back in the swing of things deadlines wise but that won't be reflected in the shipping of the title until issue #5, I’d say. Getting to work on the game initially meant flying to Austin a lot and there was a steep learning curve. I kibbitzed on the game design with Chris Cao and Shawn Lord from SOE-Austin and we have a weekly rundown on the progress on all facets of the game from art to game engine to physics to scheduling with producers John Blakely, Todd Fiala and Andrew Boyd, technical director Lorin Jameson, lead engineer Edgar Glowacki and uber art director Whitney Ayres. On our end, Eddy and WildStorm director Hank Kanalz makes sure everything is on track in and in place as it should be. Then there are milestone reviews involving DC brass like John Nee and Richard Bruning and Warner Brothers Interactive execs Jonathan Eubanks and Jason Hall not to mention the SOE honchos. You can see how involved a project like this can be...it's just a massive undertaking no pun intended. A lot of time was burnt initially in figuring out how to best maximize everyone's time and in creating the pipeline of information that was needed on a project of this scale.

NRAMA: That said, and obviously, in broad stokes, what can you say about the game itself?

JL: Imagine getting to create your own unique superhero, give it a name, choose a physique, a costume, a set of powers and then dive into the DC Universe where you get to meet and ally with Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and the entire pantheon of heroes. Imagine getting to team up with friends and other players from around the world and take on the likes of the Joker, Lex Luthor and Deathstroke. Imagine getting to use your network of contacts to go on missions and adventures to incredibly diverse environments. Imagine gaining fame and notoriety, forming leagues of superheroes to battle one another or to take down Darkseid himself. It's not hard to see how awesome a game like this would be and it's really the chance to play around and do so many different things in the DCU that is the big draw to gamers and comic book fans alike. Metropolis and Gotham city for example are such diverse environments that really can't be replicated in any other online space. Our job is to make the game as immersive as possible so that you don't feel like you're playing a game...but in fact, that you are a superhero. It's taking on the biggest fantasy there is in the world of comics and making it happen. That's what this game is about and it will take years to create.

NRAMA: So this will be a full functional, albeit “alternate” DCU in cyberspace. Will it in any way impact or reflect the monthly comic continuity?

JL: I can't get into too much detail about this at this moment, other than to say that it would be an awesome to see it happen someday. This is one of the things on my to do list and there will be more information on this as the game develops. It would be a great lost opportunity if we didn't give it our best shot.

Newsarama Note: art above is a color study of Batman by Lee created for the game design. Digital colors by Scott Iwahashi.

More NYCC Coverage:

NYCC: State of the Industry Panel

NYCC: Jim Lee on DC's MMO

NYCC: Tamora Pierce Signs with Marvel

NYCC: Mondo Marvel Panel




Newsarama's New York Comic-Con 2006 coverage is brought to you by Marvel Enterprise's & Lions Gate Home Entertainment's ULTIMATE AVENGERS: THE MOVIE, available on DVD and UMD right now

[UberShep]

First.

[RedRonin]

Although I'm not a huge fan, Jim Lee is one hard working mother____er!

I think he's really a machine... or a cylon.

I'm on to you Jim.

[thefrogman]

freakin' sweet

Actually, I think the Jim Lee that's working on the game is the real deal. As for Wildcats and All-Star? Cylon.

[bizarrolike]

why can't you be a villain in this and team up with the white martians and slaughter everyone.

[melibell21]

what a cool idea for a game, and jim lee's a part of it! sounds cool.

[Bedlam66]

If this is good It might make me drop EQ forever.

[CrankyViking]

Mr. Lee, Jim, if you read this, I'm in San Diego and would love to be in on the Beta-testing!!!

[MisterE]

Jim Lee got more than enough sleep during the ten years (give or take) prior to HUSH.

Now that he's on a roll, we need to squeeze him for every last ounce of creativity before he goes supernova.

Time to make the donuts, Mr. Lee.

[Crusader]

Sony Online is one of the leaders in the MMO space. They have a great history of doing amazing games

Sony Online also has the rep of producing colossal failures in the eyes of MMO gamers, such as Star Wars Galaxies and Everquest 2. SWG may be the most disappointing game in the history of PC games, and that's no exaggeration. With Sony Online as the producer, I'm staying far away from the DCU MMO, Jim Lee's art nonwithstanding.

[khuxford]

Originally posted by UberShep
First.

Slashdot is here

You know...seeing Jim Lee working on this gives me a lil more hope it will be good...but since it isn't like he is involved with game mechanics...and hearing what SOE did to Star Wars: Galaxies...ugh.

Edit: fixed my mistake as pointed out to me.

[Babbster]

Originally posted by MattBrady
The forthcoming game, to hit both next generation consoles and the PC platform in 2007...

Just a request for clarification, Matt: Since this game is being developed by Sony, I assume that the game will only be available on the PS3 (and, according to early rumors, the PSP). So, does the above statement mean that we can expect to see this game on the consoles of multiple manufacturers plus the PC, or does the plural "consoles" refer to only Sony hardware? Assuming you have such information, of course.

[Paradiso]

I am a lot more excited to see this game now that Lee is involved. MMOG's are succesfull or fail often times based on the level of thought and detail that goes into the worlds they are based in. Having the Wildstorm guys involved with the fundamental aesthetic design is huge.

The fact that Sony Online is going to be running it should have everyone worried though. I am not their biggest fan, and I just hope they don't screw this game up like they did SW:Galaxies.

[EmeraldGuy32]

wow...this is gonna be awesome...

[Babbster]

Originally posted by khuxford
Slashdot is here

No, it's really not.

[khuxford]

Originally posted by Babbster
No, it's really not.

LOL...oops...it was a guess...I was just trying to fill in for the guy who normally makes fun of people who brag about posting first.

I'll correct it...

[Ragnarokker]

Just had a thought. Since Marvel is also coming out with a MMO game and they have Joe Mad in the bullpen. And he has said there is nothing more he'd like to do than work on videogames. Maybe use that as a carrot to dangle in front of the horse.

Joe Mad working on the Marvel game would be a good answer to Jim Lee working on the DC game.

Just a thought.

[KyleCowstar]

Originally posted by UberShep
First.

That's pathetic. At least contribute something.

At least say: "I love Jim Lee!...first post!"

Geeeez

[phismi]

I'll be curious to see how they handle the appearances of more high-profile characters in the DCU. I don't imagine they'll let me "be" Superman, but how will a character I create interact with the established hereoes? A.I.? Some moderator somewhere controlling the established character?

I've never played an online game like this, but I think I'll give this one a go. I loves me the DCU. And if I could be a character from a comic, I'd be the Heckler.

[Prozac Man]

As much as I want to get this game, I will not drop my boycott of Sony products. Beside, it will probably be packed with a root kit.

Edit: This in no way reflects upon or meant to diminishes the work and effort Jimm put in to the project. I know Jimm and DC had nothing to do with any of Sony’s business practices.

[Hokeyboy]

Originally posted by Prozac Man
As much as I want to get this game, I will not drop my boycott of Sony products. Beside, it will probably be packed with a root kit.

Jesus saves.

[bawker]

SOE involved equals TOTAL CRAP.

Not trying to be a troll, but I feel strongly here.

Trust those of that watched Star Wars Galaxies get pissed away.

Stay far away.

[Nobody]

Last?

[mmurphy1968]

Originally posted by bawker


SOE involved equals TOTAL CRAP.

Not trying to be a troll, but I feel strongly here.

Trust those of that watched Star Wars Galaxies get pissed away.

Stay far away.

Unfortunately, I have to agree. SWG started out great then was slowly destroyed. If I want a superhero MMORPG I'll play City of Heroes (of course I just started D&D Online, so I am not going anywhere soon).

[khuxford]

Originally posted by mmurphy1968
Unfortunately, I have to agree. SWG started out great then was slowly destroyed. If I want a superhero MMORPG I'll play City of Heroes (of course I just started D&D Online, so I am not going anywhere soon).

I think there is the potential to not screw this up. One of the reasons is the lack of the jedi factor and the Lucas factor. So that makes it easier to tackle. City of Heroes shows that super-heroes can be done decently...and Sony has had stuff in their games that City of Heroes is lacking or did lack (crafting, originally missing PvP, etc).

The potential is there. Hopefully DC won't have their continuity pressed on to the game in a way that potentially strangles development. But the DC Continuity development of THE SOCIETY certainly lends itself to a rich PvP thing (PC villains could be trying to move up within The Society...perfect for setting factions).